I have few questions though: please help ASAP, I can't wait to go out and shoot some pics with it:

What's the purpose of the lens-hood? To me it looks just like a piece of plastic with no real function?

The plastic covering the optical viewfinder: I can't mount it on the camera?

and finally: During unpacking the camera, I accidentally strafed the 14-42 lense with my finger. What do I need to clean it, if it is dirty? Can I use normal window-polishes or do I have to get a special cleaning kit?

What's the purpose of the lens-hood? To me it looks just like a piece of plastic with no real function?

for me its used in outdoor to fight the sunlit destrying your image?

nicolaidenmark wrote:

The plastic covering the optical viewfinder: I can't mount it on the camera?

you have to remove the ruber pust it upward before you ca attach that eye piece cover

nicolaidenmark wrote:

and finally: During unpacking the camera, I accidentally strafed the 14-42 lense with my finger. What do I need to clean it, if it is dirty? Can I use normal window-polishes or do I have to get a special cleaning kit?

Don't ever mess with the lens cleaning it with that with it is not really sure better ask for the store where you buy that.

nicolaidenmark wrote:

do I have to get a special cleaning kit?

Its a must, for me though, if you are too careless like me i recomend get a uv filter to protect it for now...

i hope it helped you... but wait till pro see this post and correct me if i'm wrong...

Congrats on the purchase!! Feel free to post any questions you have, even if they are noobie questions. Most people in this forum are very helpful (unlike some other forums that shall remain nameless).

The lens hood is to avoid flare ups from excessive sunlight. I rarely use it, but I really should.

Where did you touch the lens? Or the front end, or on the back, where the lens attaches to the camera? If on the front end, you can use a soft lens cleaning cloth. Just make sure that the cloth itself and the lens don't have any specks of sand or anything abrasive on them, or else, you can scratch the lens. If it's on the back end where the lens attaches to the camera, I have no idea how to clean that area.

On the second photo of the building and flowers, you may want to increase the apperture so that more of the photo will be in focus. Check out Gordon's tips: